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Background
Events, fairs and festivals can make an immense contribution to the economic development of a region. It can bring in more awareness and economic value to the regions where they are celebrated and hosted. There are also social benefits as well. Communities can be engaged in livelihoods; there could also be more social bonding and strengthening of ties between people. These festivals could also reinforce the cultural roots and values and enable the preservation of traditions as well. There are also several economic opportunities which can be created.
India is a land of fairs and festivals. There are some which are celebrated across all regions, while some are more regional in character. For example, Diwali and Christmas are celebrated across India, whereas there are some festivals which are regional in character such as Pongal. Every month is characterized by some unique event or fair or a festival which is an opportunity to create higher economic returns and at the same time a way of contributing to the local economy as well. The events could also precipitate and reinforce the cultural values. There are some very interesting festivals hosted in India such as Kumbh Mela (a fair which involves bathing in the holy river, and especially where there is a confluence of rivers). There were a million plus people who took the dip in the river at Allahabad in the last Kumbh Mela in 2013, and there is a huge economic opportunity that could be tapped around the same. The event needs more research attention as to how economic and social values can be enhanced through such an event. There are similar events, such as Pushkar fair in Rajasthan, Surajkund Fair in Faridabad (close to Delhi), Onam, Dusshera at Mysore or Kullu, Diwali across India, which are celebrated with much fanfare. There is also an annual literary festival that is hosted at Jaipur. There is a trade fair which is hosted in Delhi every year from 14th to 30th November; it has been going on for several decades.
Theme issue
As India evolves, there is huge economic potential that can be tapped through the various fairs and festivals.
This theme issue explores multiple aspects while trying to answer the fundamental research question:
RQ1. How...